Sharella Park Cattery - FAQ’s

What if my cat is not vaccinated or has not been vaccinated 8 days prior to my booking?

Outside of our busy season (1st December to January 31st January), we will accept unvaccinated cats under special circumstances, such as for a personal emergency or for unforeseen circumstances.

My vet advised that a 2 or even 3 yearly vaccination is okay. Why do you require this to be done yearly?

2 yearly vaccinations are fine for domestic cats who are not being placed in a cattery. To ensure all the cats staying with us are fully protected – a yearly vaccine provides optimum immunity against viruses.

My cat is older than 15 years old, does this mean it cannot board with you?

Not necessarily. Older cats generally have additional needs. We are happy to consider all cats of all ages, but it is important that you talk to us first, so that we can make the best assessment for your cat.

What if my cat is shy, scared of most people or just doesn’t like other cats, let alone having never been in a cattery before?

Cats don’t hide how they are feeling when they arrive, so our fully trained and experienced team are able to quickly assess each cat upon arrival and determine what will help them settle in best. We provide suitable bedding and if necessary, curtains to help them feel secure. We allow them time to settle into their private unit, before allowing them to explore the cattery room and the outdoor runs. For particularly anxious cats, we will do this in the evening when most other cats have been put away.

Why can’t I bring in a blanket or bed?

Often blankets and bedding that work at home, simply don’t work in a cattery.

We also discourage alternative bedding and blankets, as these may contain contaminants or fleas – something we wish to avoid entering our premises.

Can I bring my own cat food?

Even though we provide Royal Canin Fit biscuits (providing optimum daily nutrition) we understand that some cats require a special diet for various reasons. All we ask is that you provide your own dry biscuits in a plastic/hard container with a clear name label (plus any instructions if applicable).

These containers are placed in the unit with your cat, so that our team know exactly what and how much to give your cat.

We can provide food containers at your request for an additional cost.

For Wet food – wet food is to be provided in single serve sachets or tins and placed in a hard-plastic labelled container. Again, this allows our team to quickly and efficiently provide fresh wet food for your cat in the evening. We have limited fridge space, which is why we request single serves.

Can you give my cat wet food in the morning?

Only if it is medically necessary, or that the cat can only eat wet food.

Can I see where my cat will be staying?

Yes. We welcome you to visit the cattery anytime during our opening hours by appointment, and preferably prior to your check in date.

We may decline entrance (between 15th Dec and 15th Jan in particular). We wish to minimise the waiting time and stress for the arriving or departing cats, so it not always practicable to take owners through the cattery.

We also wish to minimise the “people traffic” in the cattery. Strangers are an added stress to other cats staying in the cattery. All shoes bring in additional contaminants and viewings hold up other customers trying to check in their cats.

Can I pick up my cat outside of your normal operating hours?

Yes. We do offer an out of hours pick up or drop off service by appointment for $20.

If I get back early, can I collect my cat?

Yes, if it is within our normal operating hours and you give SPC 24 hours’ notice. SPC reserve the right to charge for the fully booked period.

What if I cannot find or catch my cat in time to deliver it?

This is a common inconvenience for owners, and whilst stressful for you, can also be so for your cat. We ask owners to consider an earlier drop off time (i.e. the night before you depart).

We completely understand the challenges of finding your cat “on time” and most often it only takes a courtesy call or a text to say you may be running late or require a later drop off time.

No shows or cancellations without advising SPC will result in a $10 charge.

Will you update me via text or email and/or send photos of my cat during their stay?

Our team endeavour to do this as much as practicable. We are always happy to respond to anxious owners wondering how their cat is getting on.

During our busiest season – 15th December to 15th January we are not always able to provide as many updates, unless requested.